Article describes how basic research has led to answers on what stratospheric ozone is, its role is in Earth's atmosphere and the devastating consequences of its depletion. Adapted from an account by Dr. F. Sherwood Rowland.

CIESIN thematic guide

Overview of key concepts related to stratospheric ozone depletion, including the role of chlorofluorocarbons, health effects from increased exposure to UV-B radiation, environmental effects, and policies and responses.

NOAA organization's UV Index forecasts and maps of stratospheric ozone depletion, daily hemispheric ozone, and stratospheric temperature time series.

Presents information about fluorocarbons (HCFC, HFC, PFC) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), including applications, physical and chemical properties, environmental impact and regulatory aspects.

Report of 1998 United Nations Environment Programme Assessment Pane, covering changes in ultraviolet radiation, effects on human and animal health, effects on terrestrial ecosystems, effects on aquatic ecosystems, effects on biogeochemical cycles, effects on air quality, and effects on materials.

Special issue of Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology (pdf format) presents the seven technical papers comprising the United Nations Environment Programme assessment.

Includes the Montreal Protocol, which sets the "elimination" of ozone-depleting substances as its "final objective," and follow-on agreements.

Monitors UV radiation at six sites in Antarctica, Argentina, California, and Alaska.

Analyses of material flows of chemicals in the environment, including chemicals damaging the ozone layer.

News articles and background pieces covering the science and politics of ozone depletion.

Ozone TOVS TOMS and GOME data. Unique NW Euro Maps and graphics. Calculated global and UK averages using GRIB data. Links to Ozone, Weather and Climate.

a measurement campaign sponsored by NASA's Ames Research Center designed to examine the processes controlling ozone levels at mid- to high latitudes.

Data and resources in the areas of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, and human health impacts of UV exposure. UV radiation is known to be a significant risk factor for skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune system suppression.

This Environment Canada site deals with issues, programs and other aspects having to do with stratospheric ozone.

NASA resource file for students and teachers

Information on science, issues and actions on ozone depletion, with respect to British Columbia, Canada.

Provides a comprehensive technical primer on the ozone layer and its depletion, as well as access to real-time and historical monitoring data, descriptions of instruments used to detect ozone, and related information and links.

Co-ordinating unit of stratospheric ozone research in Europe.

An overview of the ozone layer and the development of the ozone hole over the Antarctic hosted by the Centre of Atmospheric Science, University of Cambridge.

Intergovernmental organization for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Includes information on these treaties and their implementation.

Union of Concerned Scientists primer on the ozone layer, its importance, the effects of human-produced chemicals, and prospects for the future.

THESEO is taking place during 1998 and 1999. The main aim is to improve our understanding of the causes of ozone depletion over Europe and other mid-latitude regions, where the ozone layer has been progressively depleted for the last 20-30 years.

Current and archived stratospheric ozone measurements over the UK plus information about ozone depletion and UV.

Information about stratospheric ozone depletion, US regulations about CFCs and substitutes, ozone science, international policy, and the UV Index

Collects information on geographical distribution and temporal trends of UVB (ultraviolet -B) radiation in the US, in order to assess potential impacts of increasing ultraviolet radiation levels on agricultural crops and forests.

About the Director of the US Global Change Research Information Office (GCRIO) and Associate Director for CIESIN Washington Operations, and his publications on the effects of stratospheric ozone depletion on the biosphere.